Search Results (9,225)

Using panel data from 11 prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang Province (2014–2023), this study applies the entropy method, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and an obstacle-factor diagnosis model to examine the spatiotemporal evolution, regional disparities, and constraints on urban–rural integration. The results show a steady upward trend in urban–rural integration alongside significant regional disparities. This reveals a complex pattern marked by the coexistence of convergence and divergence. Spatially, a clear “northeast–high, southwest–low” pattern is observed, with local adjustments within a stable framework, reflecting a “stable core and entrenched low-value areas.” Spatial agglomeration is characterized by “dual-core agglomeration with a predominantly non-significant periphery,” dominated by homogeneous “high–high” and “low–low” clusters, with no statistically significant spatial outliers. Obstacle factor diagnosis indicates markedly uneven constraining effects across subsystems, with spatial integration exhibiting the highest degree of obstacles. The composition of primary obstacle factors is highly stable, and obstacle structures differ significantly across city tiers. These findings elucidate the spatiotemporal evolution and core constraints of urban–rural integration in Zhejiang, offering a theoretical and decision-making basis for advancing high-quality urban–rural integration in the region. Full article

This study presents a morphometric characterization of the cranial structure of Bos grunniens based on linear measurements taken from adult skulls. Twenty yak skulls (10 males and 10 females) were collected from slaughterhouses in the Bishkek region of Kyrgyzstan. A total of 27 linear cranial measurements were recorded from each specimen, focusing on neurocranial, facial, orbital, and occipital regions. The aim of this study was to describe morphological patterns and structural integration within the yak skull, and to provide baseline morphometric data for a species that remains relatively underrepresented in the literature. Correlation analyses indicated a high degree of morphological association among cranial length, width, and dental parameters. Notably, highly correlated measurement clusters were observed among total cranial length, condylobasal length, dental length, and lateral facial length, indicating coordinated growth and dimensional interdependence in the skull. The first two principal components together explained approximately 75% of the total morphometric variance. PC1 was primarily associated with global skull size and elongation, while PC2 reflected variation in orbital and frontal structures. Additionally, independent t-tests revealed statistically significant differences in selected measurements such as total cranial length, dental length, greatest mastoid breadth, greatest inner height of the orbit, and occipital heights, indicating a secondary role of sexual dimorphism in shaping cranial morphology. The findings contribute to anatomical standardization, taxonomic studies, and future comparative morphometric research in large ruminants. Full article

We introduce a minimal relational network model in which superconducting-like behavior emerges as a collective phase of constrained connectivity and phase coherence, without assuming microscopic electrons, phonons, or material-specific interactions. The model is formulated as a concrete instantiation of a previously introduced axiomatic relational–informational framework for emergent geometry and effective spacetime, in which geometry and effective forces arise from constrained information flow rather than from a background manifold. Mathematically, this construction is realized on a finite weighted graph with binary edge-activation variables and compact vertex phase variables, sampled through a Gibbs ensemble generated by an additive informational action. The system is represented as a finite weighted graph with weighted edges encoding transport or informational costs, augmented by dynamically activated low-cost channels and compact phase degrees of freedom defined at vertices. The effective edge costs induce a weighted shortest-path metric, providing an operational notion of emergent relational geometry. Using Monte Carlo simulations on two-dimensional periodic lattices, we show that the same informational action supports three distinct emergent regimes: a normal resistive phase, a fragile low-temperature–like superconducting phase characterized by noise-sensitive coherence, and a noise-robust high-temperature–like superconducting phase in which global phase coherence persists under substantial fluctuations. These regimes are identified using purely relational observables with direct graph-theoretic and statistical-mechanical interpretation, including percolation of low-cost channels, phase correlation functions, an operational phase stiffness (helicity modulus), and a geometric diagnostic based on relational ball growth. In particular, we extract an effective geometric dimension from the scaling of low-cost accessibility balls, using a ball-growth relation of the form $⟨B\left(r\right)⟩~r^{d_{eff}}$, revealing a clear monotonic hierarchy between normal, fragile superconducting, and noise-robust superconducting—like regimes. This demonstrates that superconducting-like behaviour in the present framework corresponds not only to percolation and phase alignment, but also to a qualitative reorganization of relational geometry. Robustness is tested via finite-size comparison between 8 × 8, 12 × 12 and 16 × 16 lattice realizations. Within this framework, normal and superconducting-like behavior arise from the same underlying relational mechanism and differ only in the structural stability of connectivity, coherence, and geometric accessibility under fluctuations. The aim of this work is structural rather than material-specific: we do not reproduce detailed experimental phase diagrams or microscopic pairing mechanisms, but identify minimal relational conditions under which low-dissipation, phase-coherent transport can emerge as a generic organizational regime of constrained relational systems. Full article

Compact stars serve as natural systems where matter exists at densities far beyond those achievable in laboratory experiments. Among them, magnetars are expected to possess interior magnetic fields that may reach values of the order of ${10}^{17}$–${10}^{18}$ G. These extreme conditions are expected to alter the microscopic and macroscopic properties of dense matter. In this review, we examine how strong magnetic fields affect fermionic matter through mechanisms such as Landau quantization and anomalous magnetic moment interactions. We further discuss the behavior of magnetized hadronic matter within relativistic mean-field approaches and consider the possible emergence of additional degrees of freedom, including hyperons, $\Delta$ resonances, meson condensates, and quark matter. The consequences of these effects for neutron star structure and observational constraints are also briefly outlined. Full article

The interlayer oxidation zone-type Mengqiguer uranium deposit in the southern Yili Basin is a typical sandstone-hosted uranium deposit in northwest China, and the lower member of the Jurassic Xishanyao Formation is its main ore-hosting stratum. However, mineralogical and geochemical responses to redox evolution in the deposit have not been systematically constrained. In this study, we carried out detailed petrographic observation, X-ray diffraction analysis, electron probe microanalysis, and whole-rock geochemical analyses on samples from the interlayer oxidation zone in the lower member of the Xishanyao Formation. Kaolinite and illite are the dominant clay minerals in the deposit, with higher contents in oxidation zones than in transition and unaltered zones, while the illite–smectite mixed-layer content shows the opposite trend. The main uranium minerals are uranium oxides and coffinite. U, S and organic carbon are enriched in the transition zone, while the Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ ratio increases with the oxidation degree. Comprehensive analysis on clay minerals shows that the ore-forming fluids evolved from acidic oxidized meteoric fluids to weakly alkaline reduced fluids; the uranium was mainly derived from the leaching of uraniferous sandstone. The formation of the deposit is controlled by sedimentary facies, tectonic uplift, organic–inorganic fluid interaction and redox reaction. This study provides detailed mineralogical and geochemical evidence for the metallogenic mechanism of interlayer oxidation zone-type uranium deposits, and has important guiding significance for uranium prospecting in the Yili Basin. Full article

Evaluation of the static angle of the forefoot-to-rearfoot relationship in the sagittal plane is essential in determining the degree of pseudoequinus in the lower extremity. The concept of an increased sagittal plane forefoot-to-rearfoot relationship is generally referred to as anterior equinus, which may result in a pseudoequinus syndrome. As its name implies, pseudoequinus is not a true lack of ankle joint dorsiflexion but rather a condition wherein the ankle joint functions as if it were restricted. Currently, the literature lacks specifications on how to obtain this measurement. Qualitative methods exist to identify an increased sagittal plane forefoot-to-rearfoot relationship whereby the clinician observes whether the patient has an anterior equinus or pseudoequinus present. However, no method has been reported that is suitable for structured evaluation determining the degree of pseudoequinus present. Evaluation of this measurement is important in understanding the overall magnitude of equinus influence present and its concomitant effects on the superstructure. This article describes a new method for measuring the static angle for the sagittal plane forefoot-to-rearfoot relationship using an orthopedic evaluation device. The results of this study indicated that this measurement yielded high interrater and intrarater reliabilities. In effect, this is a simple-to-perform analytics assessment that, as part of comprehensive biomechanical examination, will provide the astute clinician with additional insights into the cause and effect of pathomechanical foot and limb function. Full article

The transformation of university libraries into learning commons has highlighted the importance of informal learning spaces (ILSs). However, the mechanisms through which spatial elements influence learning experiences remain underexplored, particularly in western China. Drawing on person-environment fit theory and a multi-coupling framework, this study develops a four-dimensional analytical model comprising spatial layout, facility configuration, environmental quality, and cultural perception. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including 532 valid questionnaires, behavioral observations, and comprehensive environmental measurements (illuminance, noise, CO₂, PM2.5, TVOC, thermal conditions) across three university libraries in Lanzhou, China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and coupling coordination degree modeling were used for analysis. Spatial layout (β = 0.324, p < 0.001), facility configuration (β = 0.287, p < 0.001), environmental quality (β = 0.196, p < 0.01), and cultural perception (β = 0.158, p < 0.05) all significantly predicted learning satisfaction, jointly explaining 67.3% of the variance. Learning satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between spatial elements and learning outcomes (indirect effect 31.2%). Coupling coordination degrees ranged from 0.578 to 0.634, revealing a “high coupling, low coordination” pattern, with cultural perception as the common shortfall. Environmental measurements showed CO₂ concentrations ranging from 823 to 946 ppm in quiet zones and up to 1085 ppm in lounge areas, correlating negatively with satisfaction (r = –0.41, p < 0.05). Spatial elements influence learning outcomes primarily through satisfaction enhancement. An integrated optimization framework is proposed, offering actionable strategies for ILS design in similar contexts. Full article

The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the water quality of the Sidi Mohammed Ben Taiba (SMBT), one of the largest drinking water reservoirs in northwestern Algeria, by integrating chemical and biological indicators. The assessment combines the Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI), the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), the Organic Pollution Index (OPI) and zooplankton-based biological indicators (Zoo-IQ). A total of 23 physicochemical parameters were analyzed and interpreted using multivariate statistical approaches. This study fills an important knowledge gap by evaluating long-term temporal variability (January 2018–May 2025) and recent spatial heterogeneity (June 2023–May 2025), aiming to support sustainable water management. The results indicate that the reservoir water quality is generally suitable for drinking purposes (22.3 < DWQI < 54.0), is deemed excellent for agricultural irrigation (65 < IWQI < 69) and that the reservoir surface waters are slightly polluted to unpolluted (0.3 < OPI < 1.1). However, a deterioration in water quality has been detected in recent years, linked to increasing nutrient concentrations, as confirmed by the TSI–SD index. Despite the early signs of nutrient enrichment, the Zoo-IQ index remained within the moderate to good range, suggesting a certain degree of resilience in the zooplankton community. However, pronounced seasonal fluctuations observed in the Zoo-IQ and species diversity (H′) during periods of environmental stress serve as an early warning signal of emerging problems that may negatively affect water quality indices (WQI, IWQI, OPI). Station S4, located at the confluence of Wadi Belhassen and Wadi Farhat, descending from the Dahra mountain range in Algeria, has been identified as the most sensitive area and a potential hotspot for future pollution. The study provides robust data on the quality of reservoir water, offering a valuable decision-making tool for artificial reservoir managers and contributing to sustainable water management by identifying risk areas and supporting the implementation of preventive measures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly used to improve gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but their effect on specific gait patterns is underreported. This study evaluates the utilization of the Gait Pattern Classification System for Children with Spastic CP (GaP-CP) to investigate the effects of ankle–foot orthoses on gait kinematics, spatio-temporal parameters and the energy cost of walking. Methods: In this retrospective study, 66 ambulatory children with spastic CP underwent 3D gait analysis with and without AFOs or functional electrical stimulation. Gait patterns were classified according to GaP-CP. AFOs were articulated, flexible, or rigid. Thirty-six children also performed a 5 min walk test with gas exchange measurements. Step length, walking speed, and the energy cost of walking were calculated. Gait kinematics were analyzed with statistical nonparametric mapping. Non-parametric statistics were used to investigate orthotic effects for the total group and for each gait pattern. Results: Ankle kinematics improved in swing phase and initial contact (10 degrees less plantarflexion, p < 0.05) for the total group, dropfoot and genu recurvatum. During the stance phase, reduced knee extension in genu recurvatum (by 3 degrees, p < 0.05) and increased knee extension in crouch (by 3 degrees, p < 0.05) were observed. Median changes in non-dimensional step length were clinically significant (>0.039, p ≤ 0.02, effect size ≥ 0.55) for the total group and the dropfoot, genu recurvatum, and crouch subgroups, while changes in most gait indices, walking speed and the energy cost of walking were not clinically significant. Conclusions: The combined use of GaP-CP and kinematic analysis provided new insights into the effects of ankle–foot orthoses on gait. Articulated and flexible orthoses may not have provided adequate support for genu recurvatum and crouch gait, showing a potential value in gait pattern specific orthotic design to optimize gait kinematics. Full article

Many tertiary mathematics departments are seeking to improve equity in their programs; however, they may struggle to translate these goals for equity into action. This longitudinal, qualitative study focuses on a Networked Improvement Community (NIC) within the mathematics department at a public, doctoral degree-granting university located in the Southeast United States. This NIC worked together for two years (Spring 2023 to Spring 2025) to become more reflective practitioners and critically transform the mathematics program at their institution. We used Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) to examine relationships between objects, tools, and outcomes for the NIC. Data included multiple interviews and journals from eleven (n = 11) participants, and was triangulated with observer field notes of monthly NIC meetings. Thematic analysis revealed three pathways that connected NIC members’ individual and collective goals (objects), NIC activities and resources (tools), and NIC members’ perspectives on teaching and students (outcomes). We found that sometimes objects, mediated by tools, led to aligned outcomes, but not always. Specific tools could lead the NIC to adopt a new and collective object (and outcome). In other cases, the lack of the right tool led to unrealized outcomes or even secondary outcomes within the NIC. Ultimately, the critical transformations that NIC members envisioned were not realized; however, the experience of examining student data and discussing with colleagues shaped their thinking about teaching and students in impactful ways that inform faculty development for institutional change efforts on a broader scale. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying the right tools to support critical transformation, including the value of examining data as a collaborative group. We also extend NIC scholarship by using second-generation CHAT to distinguish objects over time and specify pathway models linking tools to outcomes. Full article

The present study provides a high-frequency empirical assessment of the financial performance, volatility, and market integration of thematic sustainability-oriented equity funds, focusing on clean energy and environmental innovation indices. Specifically, the study compares the financial performance of representative thematic green equity funds, such as ICLN and QCLN, and an emerging-market benchmark (ECON) with conventional developed-market indices (SPY, QQQ, GSPC, and XLE) using daily stock prices from 2010 to 2025. The analysis employs a transparent and replicable framework based on daily logarithmic and cumulative returns and incorporates the compound annual growth rate (CAGR), Sharpe and Sortino ratios, beta estimation, correlation analysis, and maximum drawdown. The research frequency is appropriate for a thorough analysis of short-term market structures and performance. The results indicate that sustainability-oriented equity indices exhibit higher volatility, deeper drawdowns, and greater sensitivity to broad market movements than conventional benchmarks. Sustainability-focused equity indices that emphasize clean energy exhibit higher market sensitivity (betas above 1) and strong correlations with traditional equity indices. Correlation and beta estimates suggest a high degree of integration with traditional equity markets, implying limited diversification benefits within an equity-only framework. Periods of relative outperformance appear to be associated with favorable policy conditions and energy market dynamics, but are not consistently sustained over the sample period. In addition, the overall results suggest that sustainability investments generate substantial environmental and social externalities. Risk-adjusted performance measures suggest weaker historical performance over the sample period relative to conventional benchmarks. These findings should be interpreted as a comparative historical assessment rather than a structural risk model. From a policy perspective, the findings suggest that stable and credible regulatory frameworks, including long-term climate policy support and investment-enabling institutions, may be important for improving the financial resilience and long-term viability of green equity instruments. From a sustainability transition perspective, the observed volatility and market dependence of sustainability-oriented equity indices may constrain their effectiveness as standalone market-based financing mechanisms without complementary institutional and policy support. Full article

Obesity is characterized by low-grade systemic inflammation and alterations in gut-related immune pathways that may contribute to metabolic dysfunction. Composite biomarker indices may better capture these complex processes than individual markers, although their performance may differ across biological domains. In this cross-sectional study, 88 adults without diabetes or infection were categorized as BMI < 25 kg/m² (n = 20), BMI 25–29.9 kg/m² (n = 34), or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (n = 34). Circulating biomarkers reflecting systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin-6, presepsin) and intestinal barrier-related activity (β-defensin-2, regenerating islet-derived protein 3 alpha) were measured and subsequently combined into two composite indices: the Inflammatory Load Index, derived from inflammatory markers, and the Barrier Activation Index, derived from barrier-related markers. Group differences were assessed using analysis of variance with post hoc testing. Additional analyses included effect size estimation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and logistic regression. Individual biomarkers showed limited differences across BMI categories. The Inflammatory Load Index differed significantly across BMI categories (p = 0.040), with higher values observed in individuals with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² compared with those with BMI 25–29.9 kg/m² (p = 0.032; Cohen’s d = 0.80), while the Barrier Activation Index did not differ (p = 0.257). In ROC analysis, the Inflammatory Load Index discriminated BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² with an area under the curve of 0.720 (95% confidence interval 0.576–0.851), yielding 77.8% sensitivity and 67.7% specificity. Each one standard deviation increase in the index was associated with higher odds of obesity (odds ratio 2.34, 95% confidence interval 1.22–4.49; p = 0.011). In conclusion, a composite inflammatory biomarker index, but not a barrier-related index, differentiates degrees of BMI in individuals without diabetes. These findings support integrated biomarker approaches for reflecting obesity-related biological burden beyond single markers. However, these observations are based on cross-sectional data and do not imply causality. Full article

Chitosan bioactivity has been widely evaluated in seed germination; however, its effects remain inconsistent. Some studies report biostimulant effects, while others manifest inhibitory effects, and some show no effect on germination. A major factor contributing to this poor reproducibility appears to be the variation in the degree of polymerization (X), the molar fraction of acetylation (f_A), and the chitosan concentration. However, it remains unclear whether controlling these parameters alone is sufficient to ensure consistent bioactivity in conventional polymeric chitosan samples. To elucidate this, maize seeds (Zea mays L. var. Jubilee) were soaked in chitosan solutions (pH 5) at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 1.00% w/w for 4 h, as per the literature, to evaluate their effect on germination compared to a control (water). Nine chitosan samples were tested, differing in X (5558 to 17,161) and f_A (0.07 to 0.33). After germination, several response factors were measured, including fresh and dry biomass, root number, and root and epicotyl length. The results showed that chitosans with higher X values (9134 to 17,161) inhibit germination, decreasing it by up to a value of 3% ± 6 at 1.00% w/w. Chitosans with a lower X (5694 ± 131) exhibited a reduced inhibitory effect (63% ± 6 to 100%) across all evaluated concentrations. None of the treatments showed biostimulation; instead, chitosan consistently delayed the germination rate compared to the control, confirming an inhibitory effect regardless of the final percentage. Nevertheless, while X and concentration establish the general inhibitory trends, considerable residual variability suggests that these factors alone are insufficient to ensure consistent bioactivity. A Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) analysis provides preliminary evidence suggesting that molecular heterogeneity, specifically dispersity (Ð_X), is a key factor driving the observed inconsistencies and significantly affecting the reproducibility of the results within the scope of this study. Full article

We analyze the Taylor expansion of the metric $f\left(R\right)$ gravity in the Jordan frame around the General Relativity limit, expanding in the small deviation $(\varphi -{\varphi }_0)$ with ${\varphi }_0=1$. By relating the scalar–tensor representation to the original $f\left(R\right)$ formulation, we derive constraints on the expansion parameters from the observed value of the present-day $\Lambda$CDM ($\Lambda$ Cold Dark Matter) deceleration parameter and from cosmological bounds on the variation of Newton’s constant. We show that these requirements imply that the scalar degree of freedom must have a mass exceeding the Hubble scale by several orders of magnitude. This result challenges the common assumption that the scalar mode can drive cosmological dynamics with a mass of order of the Hubble constant $H_0$. We provide a dynamical interpretation of this hierarchy by emphasizing that a proper definition of the scalar mass, in a field-theoretical sense, requires an adiabatic separation between background evolution and perturbations, which naturally leads to a super-Hubble mass scale. Full article

This study presents an experimental investigation into the repair and seismic performance enhancement of earthquake-damaged reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures using high-strength cement mortar and viscous dampers. A 1/4-scale, four-story RC frame model—designed according to a seismic fortification intensity of 8 degrees (corresponding to 0.2 g PGA in China’s seismic code)—was subjected to shaking table tests under increasing levels of artificial seismic excitation. Following the first round of loading, the damaged structure was repaired using high-strength mortar infill, and 12 viscous dampers were installed for seismic upgrade. The second round of identical seismic loading was applied to evaluate the effectiveness of the repair strategy. Comparative analysis of structural responses before and after repair reveals that the combination of high-strength mortar and viscous dampers improved damping capacity. The initial natural frequencies of the repaired structure increased by 6% (X) and 24% (Y), and damping ratios rose—reaching 12.75% and 10.78% under rare ground motions (1.34 g). Peak acceleration and inter-story drift ratio (IDR) were effectively reduced under moderate seismic levels, although some increase in IDR was observed at higher intensities, all drift values remained within the seismic code limits. The viscous dampers significantly altered the inter-story deformation mechanism, reducing the deformation concentration factor (DCF) of the frame structure and resulting in a more uniform distribution of story drifts. In addition, the energy dissipation capacity of the dampers increased progressively with the intensity of seismic excitation. The results validate the feasibility and efficiency of integrating viscous dampers with high-strength mortar for seismic repair and retrofitting of RC frame structure. Full article